Steel-cutting of two navy warships held in China

E-Paper | June 14, 2026

Steel-cutting of two navy warships held in China

The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Published November 2, 2019

Type-054 A/P ships are state-of-the-art frigates equipped with modern surface, subsurface and anti-air weapons. — Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

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KARACHI: The steel-cutting ceremony of two warships of Type 054 A/P Frigates Project being built for Pakistan Navy was held at Hudong Zhonghua (HZ) Shipyard, China, on Friday.

According to a press release, Chief Naval Overseer (CNO) China, Commodore Azfar Humayun of Pakistan Navy and president of the China Shipbuilding Trading Company (CSTC) jointly performed the steel-cutting of the two of the frigates.

Type-054 A/P ships are the state-of-the-art frigates equipped with modern surface, subsurface and anti-air weapons and sensors. Once constructed, these ships will be the most technologically advanced platforms of Pakistan Navy that will strengthen its capability to meet future challenges and maintain peace, stability and power equilibrium in the Indian Ocean region.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest highlighted that this programme was yet another manifestation of the time-tested and ever-growing Pak-China friendship. He also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of the CSTC team.

The ceremony was also attended by officers of Pakistan Navy and representatives/officials of the CSTC and Hudong Zhonghua shipyard.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2019

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Gordon D. Walker

Nov 02, 2019 08:44am

A stronger military is a necessity in such a fragile state of 'peace.' Gordon D. Walker Canada

Recommend 0

Nov 02, 2019 08:58am

Great job Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Marlin US

Nov 02, 2019 09:07am

These frigates should be capable of hybrid missile capability. Missiles made in China as well as missiles made at the Aeronautical factories in Pakistan, so in case of prolonged action the missiles should be available. Otherwise it is a sitting duck.

Recommend 0

Imtiaz

Nov 02, 2019 09:42am

But how are we going to maintain it?

Recommend 0

Fastrack

Nov 02, 2019 09:49am

@Imtiaz, Not you, us Pakistanis. Nice try. Not.

Recommend 0

Fastrack

Nov 02, 2019 09:51am

CPEC's fool proof security against the jealous enemy would be ensured. Wait and watch.

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Syed Zafar Kazmi USA

Nov 02, 2019 10:02am

Congratulations Pakistan. Love you.

Recommend 0

salman

Nov 02, 2019 10:41am

Our navy will be a good one in few years time with these frigates. Turkey is also building 4 milgem for us. Besides this, there 8 submarines in pipeline.

Recommend 0

Robin

Nov 02, 2019 11:44am

@Fastrack , Hearing same thing since last 5 years that CPEC will be game changer. Indeed it is, Pak's debt sky rocketed after implementation of CPEC started. Good luck with CPEC.

Recommend 0

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Nov 02, 2019 12:50pm

Long live Pak-China friendship. As they say in the great and the most widely spoken Chinese language in the whole world of today; Pak-China friendship; Wan Souey.

Recommend 0

M. Saeed

Nov 02, 2019 12:53pm

Why not six? Why not ten?

Recommend 0

Phastun. Kabeer

Nov 02, 2019 02:00pm

@Imtiaz, they will keep it in china only

Recommend 0

lion

Nov 02, 2019 02:00pm

@Syed Zafar Kazmi USA , you can afford to send accolades

Recommend 0

Phastun. Kabeer

Nov 02, 2019 02:02pm

@salman, totally depending on some other countries is not a credibility. For using that we need to depend someone

Recommend 0

Fastrack

Nov 02, 2019 02:33pm

@Robin, Look at your own sinking economy and agriculture.

Recommend 0

yogi

Nov 02, 2019 03:00pm

More debt to China.

Recommend 0

RationalBabu

Nov 02, 2019 03:11pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, impressive Doc!

Recommend 0

TZK

Nov 02, 2019 03:21pm

Pakistan has a small coastline to defend which can done more effectively and cheaply from the air and below the sea. Submarines and a variety of aircraft is what is required.

Recommend 0

Zee

Nov 02, 2019 03:45pm

@salman, I guess China will build both simultaneously - and much faster then Turkey: by 2025 Ships ; frigates and subs will start inducting — Naval for trial starts - if my guess is right 2 subs could be nuclear! Only time will tell

Recommend 0

Indian

Nov 02, 2019 03:59pm

@Fastrack , : we are also saying that please wait and watch the power game which will be played after 20-25 years.

Recommend 0

Omar

Nov 02, 2019 04:16pm

Meaningless ceremony . More like a vacation for the officers on PN . We waste precious foreign exchange on these worthless events.

Recommend 0

Marcus

Nov 02, 2019 04:39pm

Great more debt this time from the navy general.

Recommend 0

Sheshanth

Nov 02, 2019 04:42pm

Type 054 is easily outclassed by India's Talwar class of Frigates that are more numerous, faster, have better radars and missiles. Only parameter where Type 054 scores over Talwar class is on range.

Recommend 0

Dev Mehta

Nov 02, 2019 04:44pm

More loans.

Recommend 0

Haidari

Nov 02, 2019 04:46pm

@Robin, it will be a massive success plus nothing for you to worry about, dont pretend that you care.

Recommend 0

Alladitta

Nov 02, 2019 04:59pm

A rich nation and its expensive toys

Recommend 0

fairguy

Nov 02, 2019 05:05pm

@Imtiaz, with the help of China.

Recommend 0

Vorshal Handa

Nov 02, 2019 05:06pm

Good business for China.

Recommend 0

Fastrack

Nov 02, 2019 05:22pm

@Robin, Is this what Gandhi taught you? Keep peeping in the neighbor's house hoping to find something wrong.

Recommend 0

Hafeez

Nov 02, 2019 05:32pm

Pakistan zindabad..keep it up.

Recommend 0

Iftikhar Husain

Nov 02, 2019 05:41pm

Thank you China for all the help given to Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Vivek Lahore

Nov 02, 2019 05:48pm

Congratulations!!!

Recommend 0

Khan

Nov 02, 2019 05:58pm

@Robin, if it burns open it more

Recommend 0

Ali ihsan

Nov 02, 2019 06:05pm

@Imtiaz, Mr indian use pls your real hindu name..

Recommend 0

Ali ihsan

Nov 02, 2019 06:07pm

@Robin, dont worry we never ask your help, now its naya pakistan without sharifs zardaris fazlus

Recommend 0

VINIT

Nov 02, 2019 06:15pm

Congratulations from India

Recommend 0

Ehsan

Nov 02, 2019 06:46pm

Hopefully in future they can build them here in Pakistan

Recommend 0

Gorden D. Wallar

Nov 02, 2019 06:59pm

A stronger military means more expense and more burden on economy. This can weaken the nation. Hope sense be prevailed. Gordon D. Wallar Cameroon.

Recommend 0

David Feliciano

Nov 02, 2019 07:20pm

Pakistan need to modernize Navy.

Recommend 0

Allen

Nov 02, 2019 08:54pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, its all business u pay they make. But they dont pay u anytime. U just pay them again and again.. trade deficit shoots but ur govt hides it. Why not ask ur friend to buy stuff from you also of same value so that its gain for both. They wont listen. All business no friends in todays world dear.. u r just capitalist kind colony for them now laden under big debts and big deficit with no way to come out. Same for my country india we pump bullions to purchase weapons and we become happy. Its height of stupidity from both sides and sellers r just becoming rich at our kids future cost. Think wisely.

Recommend 0

xpak

Nov 02, 2019 09:24pm

Our financial condition is precarious and we need to start to prioritize what's essential - I doubt these frigates fall into the essential category. We can't afford everything the military would like to have - expensive nukes, cruise missiles, fighter/bombers and one of the largest land armies on the planet should be sufficient until our financial condition stabilizes.

Recommend 0

Mark

Nov 02, 2019 09:51pm

Frigates! Right time since the poor are finding it difficult to afford roti, naan. China is making the most of its iron brother friendship.

Recommend 0

Syed Hafeez Imran

Nov 02, 2019 10:32pm

@Imtiaz, hand over the maintenance to you or NS hae can the make many more millions

Recommend 0

Bijoy Nair

Nov 02, 2019 10:46pm

Free of cost!

Recommend 0

Nick Farahshah

Nov 02, 2019 11:23pm

@Robin, India is going toward bankruptcy.

Recommend 0

Nov 02, 2019 11:51pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, lol whole world, if the whole world was saying that then Pakistan and Chinese envoys wouldn’t need weekly statements.

Recommend 0

WHYNOT©

Nov 02, 2019 11:58pm

When are we going to see news everyday on Naya Pakistan?

Recommend 0

Nov 03, 2019 12:01am

@Robin, Pak is just a "Game" for super powers.

Recommend 0

Cecile- Pintwine

Nov 03, 2019 01:12am

@Robin, if you read the plan, CPEC is a long term endeavour. It’s impact cannot be measured in 5 years time. Most projects are not completed. The ones that have, like some motorways are already impacting the local communities. I am a frequent visitor to Pakistan northern areas and the new roads have cut the travel time to one third. It took me about 1.5 hrs to travel what normally was an uncomfortable 4 hrs journey. That is a big thing with people able to have quicker access to hospitals and other facilities in bigger connected cities. For India, with a stronger CPEC integration between Pak- China, their strategic thinking would have to change. I guess it’s a headache for GoI and hence all Indian naysayers on Dawn.com comment section.

Recommend 0

satyameva jayate

Nov 03, 2019 01:43am

@A, in fact, Great job by China.

Recommend 0

Zak

Nov 03, 2019 02:31am

'stability and power equilibrium in the Indian Ocean region.' You mean In the Asiatic ocean.

Recommend 0

Eddie

Nov 03, 2019 03:20am

@Robin, like all businesses, starts off with debt and then profits appear sometime later.

Recommend 0

Agni

Nov 03, 2019 03:30am

With these Chinese frigates and the turkey supplied ones India will be brought to negotiating table and Kashmir will be freed

Recommend 0

kamal chowkidar

Nov 03, 2019 03:33am

Targets is making for the Indian Air force.

Recommend 0

Girish

Nov 03, 2019 04:19am

@Robin, So true.

Recommend 0

khattak

Nov 03, 2019 05:39am

This is just the beginning! in the next 10 years pak navy is grow three times in strength

Recommend 0

Shubs

Nov 03, 2019 05:44am

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, "Long live Pak-China friendship" Yes "doctor" saab, hold on to that last straw for dear life, because if that slips, Pakistan has no more lives left.

Recommend 0

Run Veer

Nov 03, 2019 06:50am

How much we are going to pay for?

Recommend 0

Reality

Nov 03, 2019 10:09am

@Fastrack warships are a bit more advanced than bullock-carts and bicycles and well beyond you guys! Nice try, Not.

Recommend 0

Neo

Nov 03, 2019 04:24pm

@Fastrack , Wellspotted.

Recommend 0

Neo

Nov 03, 2019 04:25pm

@Robin, You should worry about chabahar port. Money down the drain.

Recommend 0

Alwin Jacob

Nov 03, 2019 05:20pm

Great job by china

Recommend 0

Makhdoom

Nov 03, 2019 05:46pm

@M. Saeed, : There will be too much junk in the sea.

Recommend 0

Li-N-Ja

Nov 03, 2019 07:02pm

Hope these are coming free of cost. Else we do not have money to sustain 15 days import.

Recommend 0

mythBuster

Nov 03, 2019 09:37pm

@Imtiaz, Unlike Indian Navy, PN navy submarine do not sink by leaving the hatch open...

Recommend 0

AGAKHAN

Nov 03, 2019 09:44pm

How much it will cost us. Hope Chinese gave us some brea

Recommend 0

Ahmad

Nov 03, 2019 10:24pm

Why not built in Karachi Shipyard

Recommend 0

schali

Nov 03, 2019 11:59pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, Keep up the good work, Doc!! You will come out with flying color(s) and stars when the cultural revolution is in.

Recommend 0

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